October 23, 2010
A Challenge for All of Us
Mark A. Taylor reflects on how a church “Preacher Boys Club” helped shape future ministers and invites readers to encourage one young person toward vocational Christian service.
Articles for tag: Bob Russell
October 21, 2010
This is Everybody”s Job (an Interview with Bob Russell)
Bob Russell talks with Dean Collins about recruiting kingdom workers, encouraging future preachers, and helping parents and churches call young people toward ministry and Bible college training.
The Just One Challenge
Bob Russell and college presidents urge churches to pray for future kingdom workers through the Just One Challenge, a Matthew 9:38 initiative calling believers to recruit and encourage new ministers.
August 18, 2010
Encouraged . . . and Disturbed
Mark A. Taylor reflects on worship at the North American Christian Convention, the hope of Heaven’s reunion, and Ben Cachiaras’s challenge to be disturbed toward service.
Like Father, Like Son
Victor Knowles explores how faithful homes, supportive parents, prayer, hospitality, and ministry modeled up close helped shape several father-son ministry families in the Restoration Movement.
Building Bonds Between Elders and Ministers (Part 2)
By Bob Russell In 1965, Butch Dabney served as chairman of the pulpit committee for the newly established Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. A few months before I was asked to preach a trial sermon, Butch approached the president of Cincinnati Bible Seminary and asked for the names of young preachers who had the potential to grow with the church. Butch said, “We want to hire a young man and we”re going to make him successful.” That phrase describes the attitude elders should have toward their preacher: one of their primary functions is to help make the preacher successful.
March 28, 2010
The Blessings of Scarcity
By Stephen Bond I meet for lunch every month with four other senior pastors who serve in my community. I”m surprised by the openness of each pastor in sharing the unique hurdles and challenges his church faces. But one challenge we”ve all wrestled with in the past two years is finances. The economic downturn has affected our churches in different degrees””but we”ve all felt the crunch. In our state, Nevada, unemployment hovers near 13 percent. When people don”t have jobs, it often means they don”t have money to support their local church. This inevitably affects the financial resources churches have
March 21, 2010
Building Bonds Between Elders and Ministers (Part 1)
Mark A. Taylor reflects on discouragement, brokenness, and the hope Christians have because Jesus promised both trouble in this world and victory beyond it.
March 21, 2010
When You Feel Like Giving Up, Giving In, or Getting Out
Rick Grover offers honest encouragement for ministers facing discouragement, reminding leaders to remember their call, keep their eyes on the goal, and stop trying to serve alone.
September 30, 2009
Interview with Terry Erwin
Terry Erwin discusses Pittsburgh’s Great Communion celebration, Restoration Movement heritage, Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, and the Lord’s Supper as a sign of unity in the body of Christ.
September 23, 2009
Interview with Allan Dunbar
Allan Dunbar reflects on the NACC, megachurches, church planting, unity, and the enduring importance of Restoration Movement distinctives for Christian churches and churches of Christ.
September 20, 2009
MEDIUM-SIZED CHURCHES: The Leadership Factor
Kent E. Fillinger examines how senior minister age and tenure affect church growth and urges leaders to face succession planning, delayed retirements, and crucial conversations with courage.
February 15, 2009
Still Amazed! The 2009 North American Christian Convention
Jeff Stone invites readers to the 2009 North American Christian Convention in Louisville, where the theme “Still Amazed!” will focus on God’s grace through preaching, study, worship, and fellowship.
January 14, 2009
Great Communion in Greater Pittsburgh
Christians are preparing Great Communion observances for the 200th anniversary of the Declaration and Address, including a major Pittsburgh gathering centered on Restoration Movement unity.
November 16, 2008
Elders & Ministers: Speaking the Same Language
Healthy elder-minister relationships help churches lead with trust, humility, shared vision, and spiritual focus. Darrel Rowland highlights growing churches where leaders work together well.
November 16, 2008
Should the Minister Be One of the Elders?
Darrel Rowland explores whether ministers should serve as elders, highlighting church leaders who value trust, accountability, biblical eldership, and healthy elder-minister relationships.
November 16, 2008
What Elders Don’t Understand About Ministers
Church leaders reflect on what elders may not understand about ministers, including workload pressures, family strain, leadership empowerment, and the high personal stakes of ministry.
August 20, 2008
A Week of Blessing for a Life of Grace
Mark A. Taylor reflects on worship, preaching, and ministry fellowship at the 2008 North American Christian Convention in Cincinnati, where “Come, Thou Fount” framed a week of encouragement and accountability.
June 8, 2008
Small Group Resources that Make a Big Impact
Dale Reeves highlights small group ministry resources from Standard Publishing designed to strengthen biblical community, deepen faith, and equip churches with participant guides, discussion books, and multimedia studies.
May 18, 2008
New Church, New Elders: One Church’s Process
John E. Wasem outlines Suncrest Christian Church’s careful process for developing elders through prayer, teaching, nomination, confirmation, orientation, and ongoing congregational reaffirmation.
